The live theatre performance Being Frank aims to raise awareness of the issues the LGBTI community in the Grampians, in particular those who are transgender, face in society. The play will follow one young person’s – fictional – experience of coming out as transgender, and the accompanying issues faced by Frank, his family and his friends. The play’s lead actor Genevieve Giuffre said they hope the play’s impact will lead to “greater support for all LGBTI people and accessibility to more information regarding transgender issues”. “A close family member of mine had recently come out as transgender before I was asked to join the project and I felt it was an issue that needed immediate visibility and support. “The role of social media in Frank's journey really stood out to me when I read early versions of the script. “It is significant for me because I believe it is a uniting access point that speaks so personally to Frank and to a diverse modern audience about how we share and receive information now.” The performance is from the “Grampians LGBTI Regional Network”, a collaboration between health and community service providers and community members from the Northern Grampians, Ararat Rural City and Pyrenees Shire councils. “In my opinion the most important element of the play is the panel discussion after the performance where a representative from the transgender community is present to answer any questions along with local support groups and to discuss the themes explored in the play at greater depth,” Miss Giuffre said. Miss Giuffre said “I was asked to audition and have since been involved from the early development of the play to its current state of performance”. Transgender people are 11 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population. Being Frank will be held at Stawell Neighbourhood House, 42 Sloane Street Stawell, on May 21, 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.

Raising LGBTI awareness in the Grampians through the play Being Frank

Being Frank: A new play, featuring lead actor Genevieve Giuffre, aims to raise awareness of the issues facing the LGBTI community.

The live theatre performance Being Frank aims to raise awareness of the issues the LGBTI community in the Grampians, in particular those who are transgender, face in society.

The play will follow one young person’s – fictional – experience of coming out as transgender, and the accompanying issues faced by Frank, his family and his friends.

The play’s lead actor Genevieve Giuffre said they hope the play’s impact will lead to “greater support for all LGBTI people and accessibility to more information regarding transgender issues”.

“A close family member of mine had recently come out as transgender before I was asked to join the project and I felt it was an issue that needed immediate visibility and support.

“The role of social media in Frank's journey really stood out to me when I read early versions of the script.

“It is significant for me because I believe it is a uniting access point that speaks so personally to Frank and to a diverse modern audience about how we share and receive information now.”

The performance is from the “Grampians LGBTI Regional Network”, a collaboration between health and community service providers and community members from the Northern Grampians, Ararat Rural City and Pyrenees Shire councils.

“In my opinion the most important element of the play is the panel discussion after the performance where a representative from the transgender community is present to answer any questions along with local support groups and to discuss the themes explored in the play at greater depth,” Miss Giuffre said.

Miss Giuffre said “I was asked to audition and have since been involved from the early development of the play to its current state of performance”.

Transgender people are 11 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.

Being Frank will be held at Stawell Neighbourhood House, 42 Sloane Street Stawell, on May 21, 6:00pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.